03/25/2011

Coronado Ferry to Coronado Brewing Company

I've really been enjoying the Coronado Brewing Company "Mermaid's Red Ale" which has been on tap at Whistlestop in South Park. Next to Karl Strauss "Red Trolley" it's my favorite San Diego Red Ale. Mermaid's Red Ale has a fresh, hoppy nose, kinda hinting towards a Pale Ale while retaining the nutty subleties of a Red Ale. It has just enough flavor and kick for those times when I'm in between a lager and an IPA. It's drinkable, pairs well with a variety of foods and is a perfect "before dinner warm up."

Which reminds me of a quick, easy and fun brewery tour that is free 'cept for the transpo and the beer of course. So easy in fact, I rate this tour a "Kramer" on the neurodiversity scale that runs from Lloyd Christmas to Einstein.

We're keepin' this simple, one brewery, Coronado Brewing Company. No, you're not gonna drive over the bridge cuz that's a pain. Just get yourself to the Broadway Pier at 1050 N. Harbor Drive 92101 or the marina behind the Convention Center at 600 Convention Way, 92101. Oh, I almost forgot, you're gonna take a ferry across San Diego Bay (http://www.flagshipsd.com/ferry-and-water-taxi/coronado-ferry). Check this out: 15 min boat ride, frequent departures (check schedule), see the bay, easy walk to brewery, only costs $8.50 round trip and it's loads of fun.

For the Broadway Pier ferry, I suggest parking at the USS Midway lot at 910 Harbor Drive. It costs $7 bucks, is safe and an easy walk to terminal. For the Convention Center Way terminal there is 3 hour metered parking nearby or park in the 5-Star Parking lot for $10 per day. For more parking info and directions go to http://www.flagshipsd.com/about-us/map-and-directions.

So, if everything goes well you'll ride the ferry across the bay and land in Coronado. Once there, it's so easy to get to the Coronado Brewing Company I'm almost embarrassed to give directions--but I will. Once off the boat, walk to end of pier, turn right onto walking path, walk to grassy park and turn left, walk through park to corner of First St. and Orange Ave., Cross First St. and walk on right side one block to Coronado Brewing Companylocated at 170 Orange Ave. 92118.

You're there! Now comes the fun part--beer. I could dazzle you with delightfully descriptive prose about the food and beer but I'm not, you're gonna have to experience it for yourself. Let's just say it's all good and leave it at that.

Taste, eat, enjoy the vibe and retrace your steps when you've had enough. Watch the time, the ferry doesn't run all night. Last departures just after 10 p.m. on weekends, earlier on weeknights.